All businesses in the Garfield Heights area are requested to provide and keep updated emergency contact information with the Police Department. This paperwork can be completed by stopping by the Records Bureau. This will enable us to contact you if there is a problem at your business after hours.

Contact Information (216) 475-4633

Child Restraint Law

The Ohio Revised Code states that children under 4 years of age or less than 40 pounds must ride in a child restraint safety system. The October 2009 addition to the law requires children between the ages of 4 and 7 to ride in a booster seat until they weigh 40 pounds or more and are taller than 4-foot-9-inches. Ohio's child restraint law calls for adult seat belts for children between the ages of 8 and 14. Persons 15 years of age and older are covered by a separate Ohio seat belt law, according to IIHS. That law requires seat belt use in all seating positions for 8-to-14-year olds. For those over 15, the law only mandates seat belt use in the vehicle’s front seats.

Copies of Reports

Police records and traffic accident reports can be obtained at the records window located in the main lobby of the Garfield Heights Police Department. The Records Bureau is open Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Contact Information
(216) 475-4633

Daytime Curfew

Codified Ordinance 531.05 addresses that compulsory school age children are mandated to be in attendance at school and cannot be on the streets or sidewalks between 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on a school day. If a child has a late start or early release school schedule he/she may only be on the streets during the restricted hours if she/he is directly in route to or from school. Any minor violating this ordinance is subject to arrest and appearance in Juvenile Court. Any parent or guardian of a minor violating this ordinance may be issued a citation that will require an appearance in Garfield Heights Municipal Court.

Ohio law requires every dog owner to renew their dog’s license between December 1 and January 31 of each year. To obtain or renew a dog license, contact the Cuyahoga County Auditor’s office by phone or online.

Fingerprinting

Garfield Heights Police Department does not handle fingerprinting for civilians.

Incident Reports

An incident report can be requested via email by clicking on the link at the top of this page or by clicking here.

Jail Information

The Garfield Heights City Jail has been classified as a 12-day facility, meaning we can house prisoners for up to 12 days before we would need to transfer prisoners to another facility. The City Jail is attached to the Police Department/Garfield Heights Municipal Court complex at 5555 Turney Road.

If you are planning to visit a prisoner at the Garfield Heights City Jail, please review the following:

Visiting Hours:

Tuesday
Friday
Sunday

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Visitation Rules:

Each visitor will be required to present a valid ID.

Each visitor will be required to sign the visitor register.

Each visitor must provide the necessary information requested by an officer.

Visits will be limited to 15 minutes.

Each inmate is only allowed 15 minutes during visitation hours.

If the inmate refuses a visit, the visitor will be denied the visit.

Visitors are only allowed to bring the following to inmates: t-shirts, socks, underwear, and/or medications in original prescribed bottle with medication to match.

Inmates are permitted one (1) free phone call, however, they do have access to a pay phone which will enable them to make out-going calls as long as the receiver will accept the charges.

The K-9 Team works regular uniform patrol and responds to a variety of calls such as: burglaries, building searches, article searches, suspect tracking, area/building searches for suspects/narcotics as well as officer-safety assists. Canine officers may also assist on other police calls but the K-9 Team tries to stay available for calls where the K-9 Team may be deployed. Canine teams also participate in many civic functions and educational demonstrations throughout the year.

Drug Dogs

Police Dogs that are used for locating narcotics are called Narcotic Detection or Drug Dogs. These dogs are trained to find the scent of marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine. Dogs that make good drug dogs have a high “play or ball drive.” The dogs are trained to search buildings, vehicles, open areas, luggage and packages. A drug dog's “alert,” in itself, may be considered sufficient probable cause for a search warrant to be obtained.

Patrol Dogs

Dogs that are used for locating criminal suspects are called Patrol Dogs. These dogs are trained to locate human scent. A dog's nose is estimated to be anywhere from 100 to 1,000,000 times stronger than the human nose. Patrol dogs search buildings and open areas, track suspects that have fled an area and can locate any evidence that a suspect discards. Patrol dogs search buildings or open areas simply by trying to locate any human scent in that area. A patrol dog can search a building or area faster, with less manpower and more safely and accurately than an officer. A patrol dog is also able to locate evidence that a suspect may have discarded. The dog does this by, again, searching for human scent. When a person handles a gun, knife, wallet or any other object and discards it, that person's scent remains on the object for a period of time. The dog may find this evidence while on a track or when called to search an area after a suspect has been located.

Noise Control

No person shall play any radio, music player, television, audio system, or musical instrument in such a manner or at such volume as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of neighboring inhabitants, nor shall any person play any radio, music player or audio system in a motor vehicle at such a volume as to disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of other persons.

Parking Regulations

There is a parking ban in effect from 3:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. every night. In the event an emergency arises and you need to leave your vehicle in the street overnight, you should contact dispatch at (216) 475-1234. If you need extended overnight parking permission (i.e., new driveway, construction, etc.) you should contact the Records Bureau during business hours at (216) 475-4633.

Annual parking permits are issued in September for residents who do not have enough room in their driveway for all their licensed vehicles. Annual permits can be requested by filling out an application at the Records Bureau during business hours. If the application is approved, the resident will receive a parking sticker for the annual cost of $15.00.

Rubbish

Residents are not allowed to place their rubbish on the curb prior to 6:00 p.m. the night before pick-up. During winter hours residents may place the rubbish on the curb at 4:30 p.m. the night before pick-up.

Snow Ban Restrictions

In the event the Mayor or the Service Director declares a snow emergency, no vehicles can be parked on any street at anytime until the snow emergency has been lifted. Overnight parking permits are not exempt from this restriction.

COMMON QUESTIONS

How do I obtain my vehicle after it has been impounded?

The owner of the vehicle will need to come to the Garfield Heights Police Department with proof of ownership of the vehicle, either the title or registration, and identification. They will be given a tow release form which they will need to then take to the following towing company and pay the following fees:

You can pay a ticket that you do not want to contest Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Garfield Heights Municipal Court in the Clerk of Court's Office on the 2nd floor.

Where do I call to report a suspected drug house?

Call the Police Department and ask for the Officer-in-Charge. You do not have to leave your name and number. Please have as much information as possible including the address, time/day of most activity and where they make transactions (side door, alley, etc.). If there is a crime in progress, report it to 911.

What should I do if I see a crime being committed?

Call 9-1-1. The person answering will ask you about the type of emergency and its location.

Are people allowed to solicit without approval?

No, a person or person(s) that are looking to solicit within the City of Garfield Heights needs to request a license or Certificate of Registration through the Building Department, which is located at the Garfield Heights Civic Center, 5407 Turney Road. However, persons going door to door that are only passing out informational pamphlets do not need a permit.

What do I need to do when I hear the tornado siren?

The siren is activated to warn the citizens that the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning in Cuyahoga County. You should proceed to the basement of your house and tune to a local radio or television station for further information. If you do not have a basement, then you should take shelter in an interior closet. You should avoid calling the Police or Fire Department for information about the siren. The siren is tested on the first Saturday of the month at noon for one minute.

Hubert Smykowski, Sr. was a police officer in Garfield Heights until he died in action on October 5, 1976. "Bert," as everyone called him, was appointed to the Garfield Heights Police Department on July 16, 1962.

On October 5th at 6:00 a.m., Smykowski and other officers responded to a hit-skip accident that involved a car that had crashed into a house on East Boulevard. Witnesses advised that two men left the scene and fled on foot toward Miles Avenue in Cleveland.

Smykowski and two other officers searched the area and found two men that matched the description; they chased one suspect to a house on East 126th Street and Miles Avenue where he jumped through the picture window. Smykowski and the other officers followed and found the suspect in a closet. After a brief struggle, the suspect was handcuffed. Smykowski collapsed on the way to his cruiser and was rushed to Marymount Hospital where he died of a massive heart attack at 6:42 a.m.

The second suspect was arrested a short time later.

Officer Smykowski resided with his family on Shadyoak Boulevard in Garfield Heights. He was survived by his wife of twenty-one years, Joan and their three children, Yvonne, 19, Hubert, Jr., 18, and Jeffery, 13.

Mrs. Smykowski said to me, "Don't let anybody tell you that time heals because it doesn't. I remember the day Bert died as if it were yesterday. Bert enjoyed being a cop and loved to keep busy. He loved working on cars and playing pinochle and especially enjoyed remodeling the house."

It rained the day Bert Smykowski was buried. Many law enforcement officers turned out to honor their fallen comrade; his casket was guarded by two officers while peopled gathered at Rybicki & Son Funeral Home on Turney Road to pay their last respects. The funeral service was held at St. Monica's Church on Rockside Road and officer Smykowski was laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery.

The car involved in the accident was later found to be stolen. The two suspects were apprehended and charged with Patrolman Smykowski's death.

Hubert Smykowski was involved in the implementation of the Police Department computer system. In remembrance, Badge Number 13 is displayed at the Police Department. His name was inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall, Washington, D.C. Panel 39, West Wall, Line 3.

August 14, 1994 will be remembered as one of the most tragic dates in the history of the Garfield Heights Police Department. Sgt. Dennis Glivar, a 17 year veteran of GHPD, was fatally wounded by gunfire after being ambushed by an assassin.

Sgt. Glivar will be remembered by his wife Debbie as a loving husband who was always at her side. He was a strong and silent type; who never boasted about his mastery of the martial arts or the Gold Medal he received for weightlifting in a police tournament. He was a respected supervisor, who treated his subordinates fairly and led by example.

On that fateful day in August, Sgt. Glivar and his partner Lt. Kaiser, responded to a call that a man fired a weapon in the parking lot of an apartment complex. En-route, the dispatcher advised that a male had been shot and that Ptl. Cermak was under fire.

Upon arrival, Sgt. Glivar and Lt. Kaiser were advised the suspect fled to the rear of the apartment building. Bystanders stated the suspect also shot a man who was in a second floor apartment. Sgt. Glivar and Lt. Kaiser cautiously entered the apartment building and found the gunshot victim. They retreated in order to safely escort medical personnel to the victim.

Unfortunately, Sgt. Glivar and Lt. Kaiser were unaware the suspect resided in the apartment at the bottom of the stairs. When Sgt. Glivar and Lt. Kaiser reached the first floor landing, the suspect, Harry Mitts, flung open his apartment door and fired at the officers. The suspect fired two weapons, a 44 magnum revolver and a 9 mm pistol. Sgt. Glivar was shot seven times in the torso; he stumbled down the hall where he collapsed and died.

Lt. Kaiser was shot in the chest and right hand and managed to return fire and shoot Harry Mitts in the hip and the foot. Despite his wounds, the suspect held police at bay for the next five hours and he was taken into custody by the S.W.A.T. team.

On Thursday, August 18, 1994, funeral services were held at St. Leo the Great Church and Sgt. Glivar was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery. Thousands of police officers from the local area and as far away as Pittsburgh, PA attended.

On October 19, 1994, Sgt. Glivar was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor in a ceremony that honored him and his fellow officers for their courage and commitment to duty. On November 17, 1994, these awards and a plaque were presented to his wife.

Harry Mitts received the death penalty and was sentenced to die on August 14, 1995.

Dennis Glivar's name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement OfficersMemorial Wall in Washington D.C. Panel 28, E -19.

On December 8, 1994, Patrolman Robert Stefanov and Patrolman Michael Brown were killed in an accident while in a high speed pursuit.

Mike chose to serve the public and became a Police Officer. Early on, Mike developed into an excellent officer; if not the first responder, he was often the first available to arrive as back-up. He had great respect for the badge and was honored to wear it.

I became best of friends with Mike because we worked the same shift for nearly three years. Mike's personality and attitude really made him stand out in a crowd. He was known for his practical jokes and wise-cracks, always in good taste. Mike was dedicated to his job and made sure he stayed in shape through a rigorous exercise regime.

Off the job, Mike was well known for lending out his Izuzu pick-up. If you needed to move something, Mike was the first volunteer and he never complained. Mike always placed the needs of friends and family before his own. He was at his best when helping others. If you were in a bad mood, Mike made it his mission to make you smile.

Mike left behind many friends. The person who stole his heart, was his seven year old daughter, Ericka. Mike gave her his undivided attention and he always said he was proud to be her father.

I always looked forward to working a two-man unit with Mike because we were so compatible. I do not think I will ever have this opportunity again. The City of Garfield Heights lost an excellent young patrolman, who will never be replaced.

Michael Brown's name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement OfficersMemorial Wall, Washington, D.C. panel 34, E -19.

There was only one thing that Bob Stefanov wanted to do, to follow in his father's footsteps and become a police officer. On September 18, 1989, Bob's dream came true, when he was appointed a Patrolman for the Garfield Heights Police Department.

A few days later was my luckiest day (although I did not know it at the time). I was asked to be Bob's training officer. After twenty years with the department and having trained my share of "rookies,” I reluctantly said yes.

I liked Bob immediately. To this day, I am not sure why, though it could have been his happy demeanor or the way he said that could not wait to get on the road.

I did not have to teach Bob too much. He was a natural at this job, always eager to do everything right. He always asked questions about proper procedures and the best way to handle particular situations. I observed Bob in several situations and thought to myself that "this rookie is going to make one great cop." He had terrific “cop instincts” but was compassionate and watched out for his fellow officers. Bob Stefanov was one guy you wanted for back-up.

I may have trained Bob, but he taught me something in return, the meaning of "true" friendship. We were more than partners, we were best friends. Actually, we were more like father and son. That is how much we cared about one another.

During our friendship, I learned a lot about Bob. He worked as a security guard at Sears in Randall Mall before being hired at Garfield Heights. He was so proud the day he was sworn in, because he was fulfilled his dream of following in his father's footsteps. He always hoped to be as good a cop as his Dad had been.

Bob enjoyed talking about his parents, his brother Joe, and his girlfriend Sue. However, when he talked about his children, Elizabeth (seven) and Michael (six), there was no stopping him. He would talk endlessly about family activities and the plans he had for the future. He truly loved and treasured every moment he spent with them.

On December 8, 1994 at approximately 3:00 a.m., our lives changed. Patrolmen Bob Stefanov and Mike Brown observed a suspicious vehicle at McCracken and Broadway Roads. As they approached to investigate, the vehicle drove off. They followed. Dispatchers advised that the owner of the vehicle was wanted on a traffic warrant. The pursuit continued to Lee and Harvard Roads where a vehicle crossed their path and in their attempt to avoid the vehicle, they lost control. Their car struck two utility poles and fatally injured both officers.

There is a “bond of brothers” between officers. Even so, I felt Bob and I had an extra special bond. I was proud to have trained him, served with him, and above all, to have developed a close friendship with him. Work is not the same - because Bob is not there.

I truly believe that Patrolman Bob Stefanov, Patrolman Mike Brown and Sgt. Dennis Glivar are at peace and with God. I know they are watching over all of us who put our lives on the line everyday and that they are praying that we do not have to make the ultimate sacrifice as they had.

Robert A. Stefanov's name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. Panel 24, E -19.

NEWS

Police Department introduces Six New Vehicles

In February of this year the City purchased six new vehicles for the police department. Three were Ford Interceptor Sport Utility Vehicles and three were Ford Interceptor Sedans. These new vehicles will enable our department to replace all the Ford Crown Vics that are still in service. The picture shown below is of the first of these new vehicles completely outfitted and put in service.

Officer James Seawright Offers Resources to Garfield Heights High School Students

Garfield Heights Patrolman James Seawright is the city’s new School Resource Officer. The nearly 1,300 students at Garfield Heights High School will see Officer Seawright daily and at special events throughout the school year.

Ward 6 Councilwoman Tracy Mahoney initiated discussions about adding a School Resource Officer program several years ago. “I read an article about the SRO program and thought it might be something we could add here,” Mahoney said. “I started researching the benefits these programs offer within a community and realized how good it would be to have a police officer mentoring students and available to handle and prevent problems.”

Police Chief Robert Sackett said Seawright will be at the high school throughout the year and attend after-school events including games and dances. Cost for the SRO program will be shared by the city and the school district, Sackett said. The selection committee included school staff, police officers and city administrators. “I think this is a valuable program, one that is supported by our mayor, city council and school board members and the education administration here in Garfield Heights,” Sackett said.

Seawright said he will serve as an additional adult role model within the school building, a counselor for students seeking assistance, and a law enforcement officer in case of emergencies. He also will provide educational programs throughout the school year including sessions on cyber bullying, anger management, and “courageous conversation,” an open forum for students to express their views and concerns.

Seawright is a 13-year veteran of the Garfield Heights Police Department. He is a member of the Southeast Area Law Enforcement SWAT unit and is the Garfield Heights Safety Town coordinator. The officer is a 1994 graduate of Max Hayes Vocational School. He attended SRO training at the Ohio Police Officers Training Academy and is a member of the Ohio School Resource Officers Association.

The first SRO program was established in 1958 in Flint, Michigan. Officials report that the presence of school resource police reduces fear of crime and violence among students, faculty and staff. Properly trained and integrated into the school administration, the officers can be viewed as an asset and resource to the school and not simply a disciplinary force to “catch” student criminals and delinquents. Key components of the SRO program are to develop positive relationships with students and staff; recognize and respond to security threats on the school campus; and deter crime through a visible presence in the school and at school-sponsored activities.